4.8 (595) · Port Douglas · By Sailaway Free cancellation
Embark on a memorable sailing journey from Port Douglas to explore the Great Barrier Reef's Low Isles. Discover pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, and vibrant coral reefs perfect for off-beach snorkeling, just a stone's throw from the island.
This intimate cruise is capped at 33 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience with attentive crew assistance. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, refreshing morning and afternoon tea, guided snorkeling sessions, an exciting glass-bottom boat tour, and an insightful island heritage walk.
✓ Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist✓ Buffet lunch✓ Glass-bottom boat tour on our E-Tender, the 'EV Discovery'✓ Use of Snorkelling equipment✓ Guided Low Isles heritage walk✓ Environmental Management Charge✓ Great Barrier Reef sailing cruise✓ Morning and afternoon tea✕ Soft and alcoholic drinks (available for purchase on board)1 Morning Departure and Island Exploration
Depart from Port Douglas aboard a luxurious catamaran, arriving at Low Isles during the tranquil morning hours before the crowds. Spend four and a half hours on Low Isles, a stunning coral cay where you can unwind on the white sands beneath swaying palm trees or snorkel in the sheltered lagoon's vibrant coral gardens.
Discover the island's history with a walk to the iconic lighthouse, built in 1878, or immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef's wonders on a guided snorkel tour led by a marine biologist, encountering dazzling fish and colorful coral.
Experience the underwater world from a different perspective on a glass-bottom boat tour, offering breathtaking coral views and expert commentary.
Savor a delectable seafood buffet lunch served on board the catamaran. Afterwards, bask in the sun on the deck or take one last dip before returning to Port Douglas by 4:00 PM.
Low Isles is a protected coral cay accessible only to a select few operators, offering a premium and exclusive reef experience that blends luxury with environmental consciousness.
· 4 h
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Please check in at 8:00 AM at the Sailaway office.
Please check in at 8:00 AM at the Sailaway office.
Please check in at 8:00 AM at the Sailaway office.
Kindly refer to the Sailaway website (sailawayportdouglas.com) for crucial information regarding snorkeling suitability.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This tour is not recommended for individuals with cardiovascular health concerns. Suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Dietary options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free are available. Please specify your needs at the time of booking. We recommend bringing a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A light jacket is also advisable during cooler months. To participate in snorkeling, you must be comfortable in the water and able to swim independently. If you are a weak swimmer, open water snorkeling may not be suitable. Our crew reserves the right to advise against snorkeling if they deem a passenger unsuitable, prioritizing safety. Snorkeling can be strenuous, and older individuals may face increased risks due to pre-existing medical conditions. All intending snorkelers must complete a Medical Declaration form. Sailaway may decline participation if health or swimming ability is a concern, ensuring guest safety. Please heed the advice of our experienced guides. Our luxury sailing catamarans offer a genuine sailing experience in open seas, meaning the vessels will move. The decks are multi-level and can be slippery. Passengers require good mobility to navigate the vessel, board the glass-bottom boat, and use the swim ladders. Unfortunately, wheelchair access is not available due to the vessel's design. These are adventure tours for active travelers; please select a tour that matches your experience, age, and physical health. Book in advance, especially during peak season, as this tour has a limited capacity. Ensure you are comfortable swimming unassisted if you plan to snorkel. Bring sun protection, a towel, and your swimwear. Listen carefully to the crew's safety instructions. Consider the physical requirements before booking. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 5654SA
Activity offered by Sailaway via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Active travelers Snorkeling enthusiasts Nature lovers Those seeking a premium reef experience Experience the Great Barrier Reef's Low Isles Snorkel in pristine coral gardens Enjoy a luxury sailing catamaran cruise Small group size for personalized attention Includes guided tours and a glass-bottom boat trip
Population 3,650 (2021)
Elevation 24 m
Currency Australian dollar
Official language English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 000
Capital city Canberra Average temperatures 27° Jan 27° Feb 26° Mar 25° Apr 23° May 22° Jun 21° Jul 22° Aug 23° Sept 25° Oct 26° Nov 27° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What should I bring for the Low Isles cruise? + Please bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A jumper is also recommended for cooler months.
Are there any health or swimming requirements for snorkeling? + Yes, you must be confident in the water and able to swim unassisted. A Medical Declaration for Snorkelling form must be completed, and the crew has the discretion to advise against snorkeling if deemed unsafe for the passenger's health or ability.
Is wheelchair access available on the vessel? + Unfortunately, wheelchair access is not available due to the multi-level decks and layout of the sailing catamarans.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The tour will be cancelled if the weather is poor.
Can I purchase drinks on board? + Yes, soft and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase on board.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Professional comfortable way to see great barrier reef
CJF5498, October 2026
Great experience. Crew were amazing, fantastic advice on how to enjoy the reef and the dive. They were professional with a enough humour to create an amazing day.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great day out on the reef
roman180666, September 2026
Nice boat, small group and relaxed sail out was so much nicer than the massive group tours. Guides were lovely, food was good as was the equipment. No complaints
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fabulous trip of a life time
NickM524, September 2026
We had a brilliant time visiting the reef with Sailaway. All the staff were brilliantly helpful - nothing was too much trouble. The snorkelling was fabulous for three of us and one of us opted for the glass bottom boat tour which was apparently very very good.
The boat is good (I loved the sailing) and the group size much smaller than most other operators. That does mean it is higher cost than some other operators with much much larger boats but it was definitely worth it for us.
The food was also good. A brilliant trip that we would all give 5*s too😎
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fantastic day out.
547andyr, September 2026
This trip was a fantastic day out. Very nice boat with cap of about 35 passengers. Has plenty of room and is not crowded. Switching the engines off and sailing made it a really nice experience just traveling to and back from the island. Crew of 3 were very nice, well organized and really looked after us. Snorkelling at the island was good (not as good as the outer reef but still nice) on our trip. Some nice areas and some a bit cloudy. Seen a massive turtle about 2 meters away and it just kept on eating. We watched it for about 5-10 minutes… just amazing! Also very big fish, reef sharks, lots to see and really enjoyable. Walk around the island was nice too. All this time in the water and on the island we had our guide who was really nice and had interesting commentary. Lunch etc on the boat was very good and catered for gluten free. Highly recommend this as a great day out for anyone including families and oldies.
★★★★★ Viator review
It was an amazing day !!!...
Kylie_P, August 2026
It was an amazing day !!! Great staff on board, especially Zoe !!! We finally swam with Turtles at Low Isles and then celebrated with champagne on the catamaran which was such a great experience !!!
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